DAVID Moyes wants a Cup run to spark another great escape for Sunderland.

The season may be less than three months old but already the Sunderland are bracing themselves for another grim fight for Premier League survival.

In normal circumstances, a tough trip to Southampton in the fourth round of the EFL Cup would be seen as an unwanted distraction particularly with so many players sidelined through injuries.

But Moyes need only recall events two years when Gus Poyet was in charge at the Stadium of Light to believe the competition can prove the Cup of cheer when it comes to league form.

Back in 2014, Poyet’s side were almost as badly off as the current team but battled all the way to Wembley, where they lost to Manchester City in the League Cup final, before one of the greatest survival acts in the history of the Premier League.

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West Ham struck late to rob Sunderland of a point at the weekend

I do think we need that win to build a little bit of confidence and a feel-good factor

Sunderland boss David Moyes

Sunderland could need more last-gasp heroics to preserve top flight status but Moyes believes victory tonight can provide the springboard they desperately require.

“I do think we need that win to build a little bit of confidence and a feel-good factor,” he said.

“We went through at QPR and I know it didn’t work then but we were two up against Crystal Palace in our next game.

“I do believe a cup run would be great and I’d love to get to a cup final though it would never come ahead of being a Premier League team.”

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